José Mourinho has entered the world of politics by recording a video message of support for the Portuguese presidential election candidate and “charismatic winner” Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.

Mourinho, looking relaxed a month after his sacking by Chelsea, told viewers: “It’s the first time I publicly state my support for a candidate, because I think Portugal needs to make the right choice, more than ever.”

Mourinho said he was backing the centre-right Rebelo de Sousa in Sunday’s election because “I have a clear understanding that we need a winner, but not only a winner. We need charisma, and uniting these winning qualities and charisma, I think that’s what Portugal needs right now.

“So, without any reservation, I take this public position for the first time: I vote Marcelo and I do so because I am convinced he is the right choice for us.”

Rebelo de Sousa, a former leader of Portugal’s centre-right Social Democrats who until recently had a popular TV show, is leading the polls ahead of his closest rival in the race to succeed the conservative president, Aníbal Cavaco Silva.